Omer Asik out for a week with bruised thigh

The Rockets added another name to their list of injured players with center Omer Asik out for at least a week with a bruised right thigh. But this time, unlike many of the other occasions, they might not be getting a player back from the training room.

Forward Chandler Parsons, who missed Monday’s game with a sore back following another episode in his now month-long battle with back spasms, is considered a game-time decision to play tonight against the Phoenix Suns. Parsons went through shootaround and a long therapy session after, but was still dealing with obvious back pain.

“I’m just trying to do everything I can to play,” Parsons said. “I obviously want to play. I’m still going to do more treatment … and see how it feels tonight.”

Guard Jeremy Lin is out at least until Dec. 13 with a bruised sprained right knee. Center Greg Smith began some running and on-court rehab this week, but is out. He could return to practice sometime this week, but is still listed as day-to-day. If Parsons cannot play, the Rockets would have nine players in uniform. Center Dwight Howard is the only Rockets player to have played in every game.

Parsons has struggled with the back injury since playing in Portland Nov. 5, and especially since the flight home the next day. He has averaged 17.2 points per game, playing 37.2 minutes per game. According to NBA tracking data, he is third in the NBA in distance traveled per game, averaging 2.7 miles per game.

“It keeps getting better and better every day,” Parsons said. He has not been given a timetable for how long he can expect to be dealing with the issue.

“It’s definitely something that’s lingering, and it’s definitely something that’s bothering me,” Parsons said. “Playing the minutes I’m playing, it’s probably not going to get better any time soon. Hopefully I can just get it to the level I can play with it and keep maintaining it, not let it get any worse. If it keeps hurting me I’m going to go see a back specialist.”

Rockets guard James Harden returned on Saturday after missing three games with a sore right foot, saying he can move with little pain.

“It’s unfortunate,” Harden said. “It seems like a lot of injuries happened this year early. Hopefully, guys can take care of their bodies and get on the right path. Our trainers are great in making sure guys are able to get back quick. Hopefully, we can get those guys back quick and get our flow going again.”